I have a question about Barley, I need to know if barley helps in weight loss or cleaning out your system. I have heard several things and was very curious about this herb.

Thomas Bartram, in "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (available at Richters) states that barley (Hordeum distichon) is high in fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It is high in lysine, an essential amino acid, it helps to control cholesterol, it is soothing to the entire digestive tract and protective of the immune system.

Barley and barley water (made by boiling 1 part barley in 10 parts water for 20 minutes), being very nutritious and soothing, are useful in recovery from illness, inflammation of the throat, stomach or intestines, constipation and fever. It would be a useful addition to the diet in a weight loss program or colon cleanse. Please see our website at http://www.richters.com, in the "Q&A" area, for other suggestions for weight loss.

Roasted barley can be ground to a powder and mixed with boiling water to use as a coffee substitute. Barlrey leaves, barley juice and barley powder are also available.